Research Anne Bergmans

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic pollutants extensively used in various industrial and consumer products, leading to their widespread presence in the environment and organisms. Given the associated human health risks and significant ecological impact of PFAS contamination in soil, remediation is imperative. However, PFAS exhibit high persistence, posing substantial challenges to effective remediation. Current techniques target only select compounds, are costly, invasive, and lack efficiency in terrestrial environments. Previous studies showed the ability of plants to accumulate PFAS, suggesting phytoextraction as a promising alternative soil remediation method. Yet, knowledge regarding factors influencing plant PFAS uptake remains limited, with current research mainly focusing on single plant species. This project aims to identify general plant characteristics influencing PFAS uptake and optimal soil conditions for such uptake. Furthermore, we will assess the potential of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) to enhance the remediation potential of terrestrial plants. These objectives will be pursued through greenhouse experiments and validated by field experiments conducted near diverse PFAS-contaminated sites and under varying climatic conditions. This research will contribute to the understanding of the bioavailability of PFAS in soils to plants and the development of cost-effective and sustainable remediation strategies for PFAS- contaminated soil.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bervoets Lieven
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Groffen Thimo

Research team(s)

• Ecosphere

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Campine Basin is a unique geological hotspot, that is increasingly being targeted to achieve energy security and environmental objectives. However, subsurface space is limited and competition between subsurface usages is increasing. To review policies for planning and managing potential resource interactions (either adverse or beneficial) and to set priorities if needed, it is key to create methods for a detailed hydrogeological characterization of these subsurface interactions, accounting for associated above-ground social, environmental, and economic impacts. Therefore, we unite expertise of (inter)national hydrogeological research units to develop dynamic, loosely coupled hydrogeological models that allow for large scale simulations, while remaining accurate for a single activity, and that are able to handle uncertain geological contexts. In addition, we will integrate this innovative hydrogeological method to advanced methods of Environmental Economics and Social Sciences to create an understanding about (i) the indicators for sustainable subsurface development, (ii) above-ground environmental, economic, and social impacts, (iii) and how to make model results transparent. These methods will allow to determine threshold values that must be met to respect subsurface, environmental, economic, and social criteria for the sustainable management of geological resources in Belgium and beyond. Stakeholders from the public and private sector as well as local communities are involved in the research activities to better understand their perception on the sustainable and just development of the subsurface. Knowledge transfer tools tailored to stakeholders' needs will be created allowing them (i) to come to a structural vision on the sustainable development of the Campine basin, (ii) to manage and regulate interacting subsurface activities for the long-term, and (iii) to match subsurface use with aboveground sustainability objectives.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Co-promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Buyle Matthias

Research team(s)

• Engineering Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Provide scientific advice on demand regarding the continuation of the local partnerships in the municipalities of Dessel and Mol, the ongoing participation process (implementation phase of the integrated surface disposal project in Dessel), and in dealing with changes in this process, due to internal or external evolutions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This policy-oriented scientific research generates new human biomonitoring data and data from environmental measurements to examine to what extent and how adolescents in Flanders are exposed to environmental pressure and what this exposure does to the body. The study design is interdisciplinary. All Flemish universities, VITO, PIH and INBO contribute; VITO is the research coordinator. In this configuration, CRESC takes the lead of the social sciences aspects, including the research of socio-stratification in participation rates and study results, of risk perception, risk communication and stakeholder involvement in the study.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Bervoets Lieven
• Co-promoter: Covaci Adrian
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann
• Co-promoter: Groffen Thimo
• Co-promoter: Vandermoere Frederic
• Co-promoter: Verschraegen Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Knowledge gap: assessing the potential social impact of large scale industrial activity, particularly in a planning stage remains a huge challenge, in spite of a vast and growing literature on Social Impact Assessment (SIA) or Social Life Cycle Analysis (SLCA), and continuous and expanding efforts to develop a standardized methodology comparable to environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) (Alomoto et al., 2022). This challenge becomes even bigger in relation to deep subsurface activity, as the link to society is less visible. Attempts to develop generic key social categories and indicators for particular technologies (e.g. Rafiaani et al. (2020) for CCUS) tend to focus on socio-economic indicators such as employment impact, or public health indicators, strongly related to environmental impact indicators. This is partly due to the relatively easy measurability of such indicators, as compared to less tangible and more qualitative issues, such as social capital or cohesion. Objective: we will develop a framework for qualitative social impact analysis as a tool for identifying pathways for impacting (positively or negatively) the social fabric and amenity value of affected communities as plans and projects for subsurface activities develop. Rather than explicitly weighing and predicting these impact, such a framework aims to raise awareness of the evolutive process of the mutual shaping of large scale subsurface projects and their social environment on the surface, and to provide guidance on how to assure a 'just' subsurface policy and planning culture. Task 1: Literature study to collect possible indicators and methods for assessing social impact through stakeholder engagement and pluralistic value judgements with environmental justice as a leading framework. Task 2 Stakeholder mapping: (a) identify relevant actors and potentially affected groups; as well as (b) their perceptions and concerns vis-à-vis potential subsurface activities in their environment; and (c) their interest in and needs regarding participation in the related decisionmaking process [focus on Recognition Justice].

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Co-promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Engineering Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to identify hydrogeological, ecological, economic and social criteria for sustainable subsurface management in Flanders. Geological methods, are coupled with methods from environmental economics and social sciences to gain insight into: (i) indicators and preconditions for sustainable subsurface development, (ii) geological opportunities and impacts, and (iii) above-ground environmental-economic and social impacts. Stakeholders from both the public and private sector are actively involved in the study to gain insight into their perceptions of sustainable and equitable subsurface development. The aim of this research is to provide the client (the Flemish Environment Planning Office - VPO) with tools to make well-considered (scientifically sound and socially involved) strategic policy choices regarding the sustainable use of the deep subsurface in Flanders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Social-ecological systems are linked systems of people and nature, emphasizing that humans must be seen as a part of, not apart from, nature. Currently, there exists no sound scientific basis that describes the complex interactions at the interface of the geological system component and the socio-economic system component. Decisions on subsurface utilization, changes in the subsurface, associated above-ground global and local environmental changes, energy production systems, energy consumption patterns, and waste disposal networks are activities that mediate between the geological and socio-economic elements of the broader socio-ecological system. To govern this system, it is important to create an understanding about how socio-economic and geological conditions influence the processes and patterns which define this system and the embedded interactions. The objective of this research project is to bring together the necessary elements for modelling the geological and socio-economic system to study interacting processes related to specific subsurface activities (deep geothermal, seasonal gas storage and high-radioactive waste disposal) in a relevant geological context, i.e. the Campine Basin. This will allow to consider how the subsurface reservoir under consideration can optimally be developed. This implies defining the concept of sustainable scale by dimensioning and timing activities so that current and future generations can equally benefit from the subsurface resources. Each of the activities lay in their own way a temporary or permanent claim on the subsurface, and equally differently contribute to current and future wellbeing. The research result is a prior geological-socio-economic model that will act as a stochastic framework and that makes the current understanding and uncertainties about above and below ground interactions explicit. Each following reservoir or socio-economic model analyzing subsurface development scenarios for the Campine Basin will draw directly from this framework and will be able to be mapped to it. First, current geological and socio-economic models of the Campine Basin will be reviewed and translated into a suited prior geological-socio-economic modelling framework. Then, the asymmetry of below and above ground interference effects related to these three activities will be identified and described in a real geological-economic context and it will be discussed how this leads to a nested and interactive reservoir model connected to a socio-economic decision framework. Starting from this informed conceptualized model, the different subsurface activities will be modelled in box-type reservoir and socio-economic models that will facilitate the setting of boundary conditions, as well as allow to combine models into one framework. This approach of nested modelling allows to integrate geological and socio-economic outputs and advance them to study the interferences of the different activities, and link this subsurface component to the socio-economic system component.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Co-promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Engineering Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This applied research project aims to assist the nuclear regulatory authority in Sweden (SSM) in developing appropriate forms of dialogue and consultation, directed at different stakeholders during the construction and operation of facilities related to the final disposal of nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel. It furthermore wants to contribute to the literature on environmental and technological risk governance by focusing on the long-term participation in the implementation and operation of geological disposal. For that purpose, a qualitative analysis will be undertaken of expectations and concerns among the main actors involved as well as opportunities and threats regarding targeted engagement activity by SSM. The research will consist of a literature review and document analysis, as well as in-depth interviews and small group discussions with targeted respondents (e.g. the Swedish Municipalities with nuclear facilities - with a specific focus on Östhammar and Oskarshamn, national and regional concerned authorities, NGOs, etc). Most of this field work will be done through online interaction. The views collected will be compared with the experience of a number of regulatory authorities from other countries, more specifically, Canada, Switzerland, France and Belgium.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

3xG stands for '(Environment and) Health - Municipalities - Newborns'. The study follows up the (environmental) health of a cohort of 300 newborns over a longer period in the region of Dessel, Mol and Retie. The project was suggested by the local partnerships STORA (Dessel) and MONA (Mol) in the framework of the cAt-project (disposal of low level radioactive waste (category A) and steered by NIRAS, the national agency for radioactive waste, in cooperation with the partnerships. Human biomonitoring is used as a novel technique to measure exposure to environmental conditions in the body. On the one hand human biomonitoring is used as a novel technique for early warning on human exposure to old and new chemicals and its effects in the body; on the other hand morbidity and mortality registers are analysed. During this term the campaign focusses on the 7-years old children. UAntwerpen leads the research into social and community aspects of the study.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Inter-generational solidarity is one of the main motives for starting the long-term management of high-level radioactive waste. Geological disposal is invariably put forward as the reference solution, as in the NIRAS Waste Plan. However, its implementation is a work that extends over several generations. The responsibility with regard to the next generations therefore makes it necessary to deal consciously with the challenge of developing a robust process design; building in facilities that allow future generations of civil society actors to be involved over the long period ranging from a policy decision on geological disposal to the closure of such an installation. The integration of this long-term perspective in the design of a decision-making process, within which sufficient flexibility with respect to social evolutions (including technology) is foreseen, is therefore a mandatory assignment. The European Directive 2011/70 / Euratom obliges every European member state to adopt a national program for the long-term management of radioactive waste by August 2015. Here, the focus is on highly radioactive waste and spent fuel. The Directive mentions geological disposal as the reference solution (as opposed to surface disposal for low and intermediate level waste), but recognizes the autonomy of the Member States over the management of their radioactive waste. The ONDRAF / NIRAS Waste Plan can in essence be regarded as a preparatory document that serves as the basis for a Belgian program. To date, however, no formal political decision has been linked to the Waste Plan. In the meantime, Directive 2011/70 / Euratom has been transposed into Belgian legislation, which lays down the responsibilities for this process, among other things. After all, the European Directive not only requires Member States to make choices about long-term management, but also explicitly requests that 'milestones and timeframes' (Article 12.c) be included and that the necessary opportunities must be given to stakeholders to participate in the decision-making process (Article 10.2). These principles were adopted in Belgian law, but not yet operationalized. Through this research we aim to provide ONDRAF / NIRAS with tools to, together with the most important stakeholders, shape a governance process for the long-term management of Belgian high-level radioactive waste. We deliberately use the notion of governance here, to indicate that the process encompasses more than only technical and administrative management. How can a process be designed that is sufficiently robust and flexible to guarantee the safe management of this waste, today and in the future? The central research question is therefore as follows: How can inter-generational stakeholder involvement in the long-term management of the category B & C waste be consciously and actively designed? Organizing inter-generational stakeholder involvement poses a clear fundamental scientific question within the literature, but also has practical implications on the strategic orientation that must be followed today.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In 2006 the partnerships STORA and MONA reflected about their future role within the cAt-project. Both partnerships wanted to keep their current form and continue to follow up the project after the design phase. Since then, there has been no more formal reason to think about the future, however 2017 seems a good time to do so. Pending the nuclear license by the FANC, ONDRAF / NIRAS and the partnerships are working on a social license: a full agreement between ONDRAF / NIRAS, STORA and MONA and the municipalities of Dessel and Mol on the complete implementation and operation of the integrated surface disposal facility. This social permit must confirm that all conditions are met and that green light can be given for the execution of the surface disposal. Practical questions include: • What role do the partnerships want to have in the next phase? How are the tasks divided? • Is a mere follow-up enough or do they want to actively participate? • Which conditions have been filled in? What conditions deserve an update? Is there an agreement about the trajectories for permanent follow-up that lie ahead? • How much money goes to each subproject? Our contribution will be to identify the various interpretations of participation that the parties involved in the cAt project hold. Furthermore, together with the surveyed stakeholders, we want to link this conceptual framework to the organizational implications. Because of the long term characteristic of the cAt-project, decisions on the new governance-models and on the budgeting necessarily will be reduced to a consideration on flexibility and institutionalization.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This exploratory research project contains two parts, both carried out using qualitative research methods. The first part consists of a bilingual study (using both semi-structured interviewing and an online Delphi-survey) of Belgian actors involved in external emergency planning for upper tier Seveso companies. This gap analysis is primarily aimed at the national level, all the while being sensitive to regional differences and the various needs of actors with operational/administrative functions. In part 2 we use a written questionnaire and telephone interviews to map ways of tackling these issues in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland. The themes we depart from in both the national and interantional research are the development and use of the external plans themselves, training and exercises, the availability of resources and the way communication with the public is set up. We will formulate points of improvement, best practices and policy recommendations.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Desmet Koen

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

HoNESt's goal is to conduct a three-year interdisciplinary analysis of the experience of nuclear developments and its relationship to contemporary society with the aim of improving the understanding of the dynamics over the last 60 years. HoNESt's results will assist the current debate on future energy sources and the transition to affordable, secure, and clean energy production.Civil society's interaction with nuclear developments changes over time, and it is locally, nationally and transnationally specific.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Modern2020 project aims at providing the means for developing and implementing an effective and efficient repository operational monitoring programme, taking into account the requirements of specific national programmes. The work allows advanced national radioactive waste disposal programmes to design monitoring systems suitable for deployment when repositories start operating in the next decade and supports less developed programmes and other stakeholders by illustrating how the national context can be taken into account in designing dedicated monitoring programmes tailored to their national needs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Port of Antwerp. UA provides the Port of Antwerp policy options to monitor and open up citizen involvement in its spatial and environmental management, including a sustainability indicator.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Vandermoere Frederic

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Conducting research into the continuation of involvement and participation in the implementation and operational phase of the cAT-project. This research will be based in the literature on available frames and moddels, and take into account concerned actors' expectations.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Paulussen Steve

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we conduct research into possible ways to fulfill the local conditions regarding the continuation of stakeholder involvement and participation, linked to the implementation of the cAT-project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between UA and on the other hand Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen (Port of Antwerp). UA provides Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen results of a qualitative survey that maps main types of hindrances and perceptions of inhabitants (of the quality of the environment and competenties) that live in the surroundings of the port's right and left bank industrial zones. The research will also define strategies to cope with concerns of residents and to strenghten citizen participation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Vandermoere Frederic

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

UA's contribution to thisproject is one of scientific services, providing advies to the Dutch ECN with respect to its research project "End repository Network Geared towards Actor Groups involvement and Effective Decision making". The aim of this project is to contribute to the development of a framework for the development of a first 'safety case' for the final disposal of the Dutch radioactive waste. For this purpose, a stakeholder analysis is conducted and scenario's are developed for engaging stakeholders in the decision-making about repository implementation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Policy Research Centre studies Sustainable Materials Management (SuMMa) from a transition management perspective. Since SMM is a cornerstone of the future green economy, behavior in society should be shifted in a way that current material needs can be fulfilled without destabilizing the natural system nor mortgaging its future. The Policy Centre will investigate and foster the role that policy can and should play in this transition towards sustainable materials management. Within SuMMa, UA is responsible for the researchcluster "Systems analysis", which aims at identifying the underlying societal and political mechanisms that guide the transition process. In a first research line, attention is payed to the deliniation of the sustainable materials management system at the level of the Flemish region (What actors are at play? What is the role of the government in such a transition? ...). A second research line puts this analysis in a European and international context.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project investigates the conditions and essential steps to be taken in order for a policy plan or programme to be 'translated' into a concrete project in a realistic and efficient manner, and with the necessary support from society. Both process and content related aspects will be considered. First a theoretical framework will be developed to enable to answer among other the following questions: (a) To what extent and on which basis can be acknowledged if a specific policy plan has incorporated the most pertinent interests during its development and deliberation (during e.g. a public consultation)? (b) Did the plan take the most pertinent problems raised by de different concerned actors in account adequately? (c) According to which criteria should "pertinence" and "adequacy" be assessed? Second a cases study will be made of the "Radioactive Waste Plan" prepared by ONDRAF – NIRAS. The extent to which this plan (and the way it was developed) has succeeded in offering an answer to diverging expectations as regards the management of high-level wastes in Belgium will be assessed. For that purpose, an analysis will be made of how the plan was received by different societal actors. This will be done through an analysis of the submitted comments during the public consultation in 2010, and through a media analysis of the press coverage of this issue in the period 2009-2011. The research into the coming about of ONDRAF's 2010 "Waste Plan" and its public reception will be supplemented with a comparative analysis of recent similar decision-making trajectories around high-level wastes in France, Canada, Switzerland and the UK. On the basis of these analyses, lessons will be drawn and recommendations formulated on possibilities for further conceptualisation of a Belgian decision-making process in this matter.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

INSOTEC aims at identifying the main socio-political challenges for implementing geological disposal and their interplay with technical challenges. It will furthermore provide the IGD-TP with concrete suggestions on how to address these entangled socio-technical challenges. The biggest challenge today lies in adapting the generic concept of geological disposal to the real world environment (both natural and social) in which it needs to be implemented and with which the whole of the waste management system will need to build and maintain a long-term sustainable relationship. Addressing this challenge will imply searching for for a strong and lasting connection between the technical and social aspects of managing radioactive waste.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The MoDeRn project aims at providing a reference framework for the development and possible implementation of monitoring activities and associated stakeholder engagement during relevant phases of the radioactive waste disposal process, i.e. during site characterisation, construction, operation and staged closure, as well as a post-closure institutional control phase. The project applies an interdisciplinary approach, involving both technical expertise and researchers from the social sciences. Through complementary and combined research efforts the project seeks to provide an understanding of monitoring activities and available technologies that can be implemented in a repository context; and to provide recommendations for related, future stakeholder engagement activities.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project intends to stimulate companies to make their products and production processes more sustainable by applying well-considered materials and materials technology. in order to realise this objective, the project consortium takes four steps. First, it investigates which incentives and impediments influence the use of innovative materials technologies. We look for and describe various concrete examples. Companies willing to testify of their experiences are interviewed and asked to fill in a small questionnaire. Lessons drawn from interviews and questionnaires are communicated to a wide audience. In case the companies concerned agree, they will present their cases to other companies in order to inspire them: to look for their own opportunities to organise their production processes and design their products in more sustainable ways via the implementation of suitable materials and materials technologies. In a third phase, interested companies are guided to discern opportunities for sustainable materials innovation with the help of an opportunity scan. Development and application of this scan is one objective of the project. In the following and final stage the project consortium will discuss, together with interested companies, opportunities for sustainable innovation and work out an implementation trajectory. The consortium will pay equal attention to the three dimensions of sustainable development: planet, people, and profit. In short, 1) by focussing a) on the meaning that companies themselves assign to the concept of sustainable development and b) on reasons and considerations of companies to use specific materals and technologies, and 2) by concentrating on knowledge diffusion towards and between companies, we will engage with the production industry in Flanders in order to contribute to sustainable development.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Promoter: Verbruggen Aviel
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann
• Co-promoter: Deblonde Marian
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Engineering Management

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

- Safeguard the operation of the local partnerships in the municipalities of Dessel and Mol. Support these organisations in their tasks. - Offering ONDRAF-NIRAS social scientific guidance for putting its work programme into practice, more specifically concerning: (a) how to implement the participatory process in the project phase (b) how to fulfil the local conditions concerning the continuation of involvement and participation (c) planning future phases in the process. - A permanent evaluation of the participatory process in the light of available theory, frames and models, as well as international experience.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Promoter: Van Hove Erik
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Van Hove Erik

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project